Calgary’s Best Retirement Homes

August 15, 2016

Retirement homes appeal for many reasons. Perhaps you want someone to handle the housework while you’re off power-walking along the Bow. Or maybe you need daily assistance or palliative care. Choosing the right option for you —for now and the future—is a big decision. But no matter where you want to be in the city, we have a wealth of options. We’ve picked out Calgary’s best retirement homes for you, in each quadrant and downtown.

Chartwell has 175+ locations across Canada, but the Eau Claire
Residence has to be one of the best locations. If you love the bustle of
Calgary’s inner city or enjoy walks along the river, this place is perfect. And
if family members work downtown, it makes a lot of sense to be nearby.

They have independent and assisted living, memory care, and a
secured dementia care floor—if that’s a consideration for you. There’s some
assurance that comes with a large, well-known company like Chartwell. You can
trust they know their stuff.

Evergreen is interesting because they offer a full range of
assistance, from a little day-to-day help to full-on palliative care. This
means once you’re here, you don’t have to move again. And if you’re worried
about giving up Spot, don’t be. They even offer assistance caring for your pet!

They’re proud of their Red Seal Chef, so there’ll be some good
grub. And it’s in a convenient location with shopping centres, medical
facilities and public transport—perfect if you’re not comfortable driving.

Lake Bonavista is a well-established, well-respected community
(Avenue Calgary ranked it the ninth best Calgary
community for recreation). Lake Bonavista Village retirement complex
takes up eight acres on the west side of the neighbourhood. It feels like
you’re in a park, with lots of mature native trees and tended gardens.

Up in the Rocky Ridge community, as far northwest as you can go
(for now!), there are amazing views of the mountains. And that’s where you’ll
find the award-winning community Manor Village at Rocky Ridge.

The Manor Village has 12 residences throughout Alberta, Ontario
and Arizona. Rocky Ridge offers independent and assisted living, but there are
two locations—one at Garrison Woods and a planned development at Fish Creek
Park—that offer Memory Care, Enriched Care and Respite Care in addition. They
all offer similar environments with a focus on luxury. But Rocky Ridge makes
this list for the frankly epic views!

We’re back with a Chartwell residence, because they happen to
have the best lakeside residence we’ve seen. Chartwell Harbours is an
independent living level of care. That means they offer meals, laundry, general
services and 24-hour staff supervision. It doesn’t provide more intensive care
options, but if you’re looking for community and safety in a beautiful setting,
this is a gem.

Being up by the airport, it’s easy for family to visit (or for
you to jet-set off somewhere hot!) and we hear they have a pretty entertaining
weekly happy hour.

With such a range of service offered in retirement homes, you’ll
have to decide for yourself what’s most important. But whichever homes you look
at, make sure they’re well-reviewed. Comfort Lifehas lots of in-depth analysis of the options available in Calgary.